Sedimentary budget deficit of continental shelves : natural and/or man-made causes of beach erosion : the case of the perinsular shelf of Malta

Abstract

The small size and the lack of natural resources of the Maltese Islands makes the coastline, which is only 190 km long, a major focus of great economic importance. Decisions to develop new economic sectors on the coast, namely that of shipping and the tourist industry often prove conflicting, mainly because of lack of baseline information. An understanding of coastal processes especially of sedimentary dynamics which is essential to such decisions is not available. Phenomenae like beach erosion, which can prove detrimental to the tourist industry causes concern but has not yet been properly understood. A comprehensive overall scientific study is needed to allow for the optimum and rational use of the coast. The origin and present profiles of various beaches are examined, but their evolution can only be explained through a study of a series of parameters which go beyond the present geographic zone under discussion. This paper attempts to present a regional scenario in which natural factors, like the geo- and hydrodynamics affecting the Maltese Islands can only be understood if studied in a wider Mediterranean context. When these are grasped it is then possible to proceed to study what type of effects urbanization has on the coast, especially on beach equilibrium. Aerial photographs, geological and survey maps, available literature and on-site investigations were employed to draw specific examples of some local sites.